“Finally! A dog trainer with training in behavior therapy! Joan’s unique and highly effective methods and understanding of dogs, their social structures, and how they relate to people is a welcome and much needed addition to our dog-loving community! If you have a problem dog, don’t give up without consulting Joan. Better yet, start your puppies off right by enrolling in Inquisitive Canine puppy classes!”

–Shelly Wilson, DVM, Ventura, CA

“Joan is the complete package in my opinion: superb technician, ultra clear communicator and compassionate for both dog and owner… a real thinking trainer whose dedication to constant improvement of skills and knowledge is a gift to her lucky clients. I could not endorse her more heartily.”

–Jean Donaldson, Trainer, Author and Director, San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers

“I recently attended Joan’s seminar “Before You Adopt.” I found the seminar to be very thorough and encompass aspects of dog ownership that many people do not consider. Although I consider myself an experienced dog owner, I found this seminar to be valuable and learned several new things. I would highly recommend this seminar for first time dog owners, as well as experienced dog owners.”

–Cindy Stratton, Ventura, CA

“Joan has taught me to be a better dog mom. I have learned to reward positive behavior instead of reinforcing aggression with negative consequences to bad behavior. I used to avoid places where there would be too many dogs, fearful that my dog would attack anything with four legs. Now I can take my dog for a walk at the park or the beach and not worry! Thanks Joan and Chief thanks you too! Ruff!”

–Mary Jones and Chief, Ventura, CA

“Thank you for all your great advice and helpful information. One of the best things for Sara was her first “Puppy Socialat the Inquisitive Canine Studio. She was timid at first, but with some practice and patience she was able to overcome her initial shyness and now loves to play with all the other dogs.

Thank you for teaching me how to engage my dog in a positive way so she is not afraid. I love to watch her interacting and having so much fun. We still have a lot to learn, but we’re off to a good start.”

–Cheryl and Sara, Port Hueneme, CA

“We are grateful for the training and advice you have given us and our big yellow friend Scout. Taking your classes have been beneficial to both us and our canine friend. It’s nice to be able to find an instructor that cares both about the animal and their owner. I think that’s what seperates you from a lot of the others. Thanks again for everything and we look forward to more in the future.”

–Steve, Cara and our big yellow friend Scout, Santa Paula, CA

“We really use the skills we learned from you with Lulu on a daily basis. She continues to become more confident and loves her walks now (tail up and happy).

You have completely changed the way our family thinks about dog raising. We’ve always been kind and loving dog owners, but thought we had to do certain things (scold when they growled, pull back when they pulled on their leash, etc.) that we now know are counterproductive. We are definitely learning!”

–Brenda Hill, Ojai, CA

“Duke and I have learned what it takes to have a well mannered dog. You have helped me with so many aspects of good dog behaviour. I have used the many techniques on my other dog as well.”

–Love and Bow Wow, Sally and Duke

“We are grateful to you for your remarkable help after we got our new puppy. You gave us understanding of the canine thought process, practical training tools and techniques, and incredible moral support. Thank you for helping all of us to be better dog owners and trainers. I would recommend your classes to anyone who wants to have a great relationship with their dog.”

–Kona and The Kimball family, Camarillo, CA

“Joan Mayer is a rare breed of dog trainer. We thought we loved our puppy before taking her to Good Manners Class, but now she is even more of an absolute joy to have in our lives! Now we really understand her behaviors, and know how to coach her to exercise good manners! We enjoyed working with Joan so much because she really took the time to address our individual needs. We really enjoy traveling with our dog, and now we have the confidence to know we can manage her in different situations no matter where our lives take us!”

–Emilia and Nick, Santa Barbara, CA

“Thank you for your very professional, caring way of helping dog owners deal with difficult training issues, puppy classes and just general how to help a dog fit into the family. You are a wonderful teacher and a friend in the dog world.”

–Mara Dan TJ and Daisy, Ojai CA

“Joan was very helpful in teaching us how to channel the energies of our very energetic English Springer Spaniel puppy. We walked away with new training tips and tools from each class and our dog loved the classes. Life with our dog is much more pleasant now as a result of her classes.”

–Colleen Hancock, Ventura CA

“Joan is not just a ‘trainer,’ she looks at the whole picture when working with you and your dog. She focuses on the things that matter to each individual owner and dog. Besides the normal sit, stay, come, Ferris and I learned all about how to play nicely with others, the importance of doggy social time, and how nice it is to go to dog class when your trainer has such positive energy and keeps learning fun. It doesn’t hurt that she also makes wonderful ‘human treats’ for class too. Thanks to Joan, Ferris is a favorite at the local Starbucks, and all the other dogs on our block come over our house to see ‘if Ferris can come out and play.’ Thanks Joan!”

–Lisa and Ferris Wheel (the cutest terrier in the world), Newbury Park, CA

“I wanted to thank you for all of your help with Rincon and myself in the Feisty Fido class. I really appreciate your training approach and animal behavior methodology because it can be used beyond the issues we worked on in class. He has really come a long way with his anxiousness around other dogs. I really like the one-on-one time so the class is customized to your specific needs, and the classroom control so dogs have a safe environment to learn.”

–Sue Callender and Rincon, Camarillo CA

“Thanks for all you help with Maggie. She has greatly benefited from your hands on training. Maggie now LOVES the water and we take her to the beach to swim regularly. This was an issue before your help with her. She is also very socialized and has a sweet disposition with other dogs. You have also taught Chris and I how to relate better with her and the other dogs around us. Keep up the good work!”

–Chris, Nancy and Maggie, Ventura CA

“We have benefited greatly from your wonderful classes…especially “fiesty fido!! I do feel more comfortable and confident when walking Merrill.”

–Linda Roslanski, Ventura CA

“Joan is one of the best dog trainers in Ventura County but what pet owners may not know is that she is not only a dog training expert, but she is an animal behavior expert overall! I adopted a very challenging outdoor cat (well, she adopted me) and she behaves very poorly with company. I called Joan not knowing where to turn and her tips made a WORLD of difference! I learned from Joan that pet training is not a one-time-trick, it is a process and the more you invest in your animal, the more you get out. I have seen great results from Joan’s great advice and really appreciate her blog and email reminder tips that remind me to have consistent behavior with my cat. Joan is inquisitive, intuitive and helps canines, felines and the most challenging animals to tame – PEOPLE! Thanks Joan for your wisdom and passion for your profession! I’m hooked!”

–Lorrie Thomas, Marketing Agency Owner, Santa Barbara, CA